Vaginal infections

Vaginal infections are composed of three primary conditions: bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomonas.^[1] Vaginitis is any condition that causes infection or inflammation of the vagina. Vulvovaginitis is inflammation of both the vagina and vulva (the external female genitals).

Symptoms

Symptoms of vaginal infections may include excessive amounts of discharge, abnormal coloration (such as yellow, gray, or green), a burning sensation during urination, itching on the outside of the vagina, or discomfort during intercourse.^[2]

Causes

Types

The six most common types of vaginal infections are:

• Candida or "yeast" infections.
• Bacterial vaginosis.
• Trichomoniasis vaginitis.
• Chlamydia vaginitis.
• Viral vaginitis.
• Non-infectious vaginitis.^[3]

Risk factors

Vaginal infections can be caused by chemicals douching, tight clothing, sexual activity, and anything that may disrupt the normal microenvironment of the vagina, such as extreme illness, contamination by feces, or lack of sufficient probiotic dietary intake. Lack of hygiene is the main cause of all sorts of vaginal infections. ^[4]

Treatment

Treatment for vaginal infections typically depends on the type of infection present. Bacterial vaginosis, the most common vaginal infection but is treated with antibiotics, either oral or applied in a vaginal cream. For the common yeast infection, there are over-the-counter creams and vaginal suppositories found in the feminine health section. Trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and viral vaginitis are treated with prescribed medicines specific to the diagnosis. Non-infectious vaginitis, an infection caused by an introduction of a new irritant in the area of the vulva, is treated by getting rid of the cause (such as a new fabric softener or body wash).^[5]

References

External links

• WebMD
• http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vaginal_infections/page3_em.htm
• NIH
• Factsheet